Sports Report, 6 Feb 2019

Radford was victorious in the limited overs competition with Barker

BASKETBALL

Congratulations to coach Sean Dunne and the U12 Bulldogs on recording their first win of the season by beating top of the ladder! The boys were bottom of the ladder heading into the final game before the school holiday break. They were expecting another tough game. For most of the Bulldogs, it’s their first season in U12s, whereas most of the boys they play are a lot older than them and have played multiple seasons in the U12s. The Bulldogs have learnt a lot about resilience this season and coach Sean has said to them many times in games “don’t give in”, “keep trying” and “don’t look at the scoreboard.”

Coach Sean’s focus for the game was defence. The Bulldogs got off to a strong start and were leading at half time. The Bulldogs ‘man on man’ defence had starved and rattled the Tuggeranong team (and their coach). In the second half, Tuggeranong came back strongly and gained the lead in the 3rd quarter and remained ahead going into the final seconds of the game, but the Bulldogs kept competing, kept defending and didn’t give in. The Bulldogs ended up winning by one point (19-18), thanks to a winning free throw from Bryson Abraham.

It was a very special moment for the team. A big shout out to coach Sean, who is so generous with his time. His energy and commitment to Radford Basketball (coaching both the U12s & U10s) is really making a difference. Even if the boys don’t win again this season, their joy from that win was priceless.

CRICKET

Barker CollegeRadford have resurrected the Barker U14 challenge for the Mr Sensible trophy. The team played well, winning the 40-over fixture and backing up with a commanding batting display in the 25-over match the next day. Many of the players, billets and families gathered on the lawns of the Yacht Club for dinner and a catch-up following the 40-over match. This is only the second time Radford will have its name on the trophy! We look forward to many more such fixtures in the future. Thanks to Paul, Ben and Jordan for preparing the grounds, and Mr Darryle Macdonald for coaching the team.

Representative CricketU13 WS Shield (Sydney District competition) – Radford had Gen Casarotto and Jake Smith Gibson in the ACT team that was victorious over their Hawkesbury opponents. Gen 3 run outs and a catch, Jake bowled well and was one of the leading wicket-takers throughout the tournament.

U12 Southern NSW Rep – Lukas Boorer captained the ACT U12s to a victory in the final against Southern Highlands, keeping well and scoring a terrific 60 opening the batting. Kris Joshi was also in the team, bowling well, and Aminda Weerasooriya had also played for the team throughout the season.

We have had several others in Cricket ACT rep programs who have been posting productive performances.

CenturionsSo far this season, we’ve had 4 Radford centuries. Congratulations to Jay Allen and Dylan Fernando from the First XI and Tom Larkham and Darcy Macdonald in the U14s. Jake Smith Gibson (U14s) has also scored heavily, having retired 3 times with scores in the 70s and one of 88.

A massive thank you to Mr Darryle Macdonald and the coaches for facilitating these successes.

FOOTBALL (SOCCER) REFEREE COURSESInterested in refereeing? Refereeing is a great way to earn cash (up to $54 a game) and develop life skills. Those who commit to refereeing at Radford will also have the cost of the course and half the uniform and equipment cost reimbursed.